Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine, offered in collaboration with Franciscan Health, represents a premier program in colorectal surgical training. This fellowship is notable as it is Indiana's first dedicated program to colon and rectal surgery, and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program aims to provide comprehensive clinical experience, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive techniques.

This fellowship's curriculum is structured to ensure residents obtain a robust clinical exposure, achieving high case numbers with a commitment to minimal invasiveness in surgery. Graduates can expect to have hands-on experience with innovative techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, as well as advanced procedures like Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) and Transanal Minimal Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) 1.

Clinical Experience

The training locations include high-volume ambulatory surgery centers where a significant number of endoscopies and anorectal surgeries are performed. Each fellow typically completes over 400 endoscopic procedures and around 100 anorectal procedures during their fellowship, honing significant skills in areas such as anorectal physiology and the management of complex pelvic floor disorders and fecal incontinence 1.

Program Structure

The fellowship lasts for one year, commencing on August 1 and concluding on July 31 of the following year. A central feature of the fellowship is the extensive didactic training that accompanies hands-on surgical practice. The curriculum includes exposure to all facets of colon and rectal surgery, including both inpatient and outpatient experiences, ensuring a balanced training 1.

Didactic Training

The didactic component of the training is designed to cover a wide range of topics based on the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery Textbook. Advanced training opportunities in endoscopy and robotic surgery further enhance the fellows' educational experience, contributing to a near-perfect board pass rate since the fellowship's inception 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must be board-eligible or board-certified in General Surgery, having completed a five-year residency in that specialty. In addition to a completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), each candidate must submit an updated curriculum vitae, an official Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. It is also mandatory for applicants to be eligible for temporary Indiana medical licensure 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa applications for qualified candidates, allowing international medical graduates to apply for the fellowship. The fellowship typically sponsors J-1 exchange visas for eligible applicants 1.

Competitiveness

Given its comprehensive nature, the Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship is competitive, attracting candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is designed to be welcoming to both U.S. trained physicians and IMGs, thus broadening the pool of candidates 1.

Rotation Locations

Rotations primarily take place at the Franciscan Health facilities located in Mooresville and Indianapolis, alongside some experiences at Indiana University hospitals. This geographic diversity enhances the training experience and exposes fellows to a multitude of surgical cases and clinical experiences 1.

Faculty

The faculty consists of highly specialized surgeons, many of whom have received accolades in their field. They bring extensive clinical and research expertise to the fellowship, fostering a renowned educational environment. Faculty members actively participate in didactic teaching and mentorship throughout the fellowship year 1.